detonation

noun3

1. •
   An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.

   • the detonation of gun cotton
2. •
   Any sudden explosion made by an exothermic process (whether chemical or not) that produces a supersonic shock wave.
3. •
   Engine knocking, a type of improper combustion in gasoline piston engines.